I simply can't allow you to come to-day, Mr.
Cole!" He smiled, but I saw that he was in earnest, and of course I gave in.
"All right," said I; "then I must content myself with seeing you off at the station." To my surprise his smile faded, and a flush of undisguised annoyance made him, if anything, better-looking than ever.

It brought out a certain strength of mouth and jaw which I had not observed there hitherto.

It gave him an ugliness of expression which only emphasized his perfection of feature.
"You mustn't do that either," said he, shortly.

"I have an appointment at the station.

I shall be talking business all the time." He was gone to his room, and I went to mine feeling duly snubbed; yet I deserved it; for I had exhibited a characteristic (though not chronic) want of taste, of which I am sometimes guilty to this day.